U.S. Attorney David Freed and YWCA President Mary Quinn announce $1.3 million in federal grants to the YWCA to fight human trafficking on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Rachel McDevitt / WITF
YWCA awarded $1.3 million in grants to fight human trafficking
-
Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
Rachel McDevitt / WITF
U.S. Attorney David Freed and YWCA President Mary Quinn announce $1.3 million in federal grants to the YWCA to fight human trafficking on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
(Harrisburg) — A midstate women’s organization is getting $1.3 million in federal grants to help people escape human trafficking.
It’s the third time the YWCA Greater Harrisburg has been awarded Department of Justice grants for such work.
Of the total, $925,000 will go to pay staff who help victims start a new life.
An additional $450,000 will also cover some housing costs, which are often a huge barrier for those trying to break a cycle of violence.
President and CEO Mary Quinn said Pennsylvania has seen a 400 percent increase in identification of trafficking victims over about the last five years.
“A lot of that is not because it’s more prevalent, it’s because we’re identifying it and working with law enforcement and partners to really just dig a little deeper,” she said.
The YWCA has helped 300 trafficking victims across a 12-county service area since 2014.
“Many of our victims don’t have ‘clean hands,’ as we say,” Quinn said. “So, they’re going to be picked up on theft or drug charges or something else; but the real root cause of what’s going on there is they are probably being coerced in some way.”
Quinn said she hopes the public becomes more aware about the need to curb demand and hold accountable those who pay for sex or force someone into prostitution.
The Purple Buck Newsletter
Get insights into WITF’s newsroom and an invitation to join in the pursuit of trustworthy journalism.
